From the whale-rich waters of the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula's bleach-white, remote coastlines, this comprehensive expedition cruise reveals the many faces of the world's last frontier. Explore shorelines teeming with penguin and seal alongside leading naturalists, go behind the scenes of an environmental research station and chat with on-board experts nightly about the day's discoveries.

Arrive in the morning and transfer to your hotel (where immediate check-in has been arranged), with time to relax. Meet your fellow adventurers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception.

Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Upon arrival, enjoy sightseeing and a traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch. Later, arrive at your ship and settle in for your first night on board. 'Le Boreal' is a comfortable, stylish ship, both spacious and passenger-friendly. Wander the decks, relax in the lounge and mingle with fellow travellers in anticipation of your voyage.

The southward journey toward Antarctica is an exciting one. Fast-flowing southern ocean currents squeezing between land masses give the Drake Passage, the small strip of sea between the tip of South America and Antarctica, some of the world's roughest waters. An important trade route in the 19th and early 20th centuries, its stormy waters and icy conditions often made the journey around Cape Horn a difficult one, though the stabilizer-equipped 'Le Boreal' handles it easily. The krill-rich waters are a particular favorite with marine mammals and seabirds. Join 'Le Boreal's' naturalists on the deck to look for various species of whale and abundant seabirds.

As the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands appear on the horizon, a sense of excitement and expectation begins to build. Shore excursions are carefully planned by the captain and expedition leader to take full advantage of each day's possibilities. On most days, two landings are scheduled. Head out in swift and versatile Zodiacs, guided by expert drivers and accompanied by lecturers, to a number of penguin-filled islands in the South Shetlands, which may include Half Moon, Penguin and Deception. Other possible island visits just off the continental coastline may include Cuverville, Paulet or Goudier. Weather permitting, the ship calls on the Antarctic Peninsula. 'Le Boreal' also plans to sail through stunning Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, referred to as "Kodak Alley," with other possibilities for exploration, including a scientific research station and the remains of turn-of-the-century whaling and sealing stations.

The ship's return through the Drake Passage is an interlude for recap and reflection, with time to compare notes with your lecturers on the wildlife, history and geology of the White Continent. While cruising through this historic passage, named in honor of Sir Francis Drake's voyage in the 16th century, you may be able to spot whale and seabirds such as albatross.

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport to board your flight home via Santiago.

Arrive in the USA or Canada.

Arrival meet and greet in Santiago (staff inside custom’s arrival area)
Baggage handling and transfer airport hotel
Overnight accommodation at Grand Hyatt Santiago (with pre-registered gtd early check in) including breakfast and bottled water
Santiago city tour
Welcome cocktail reception
Group transfers hotel/airport for charter flight check in
Arrival baggage handling and meet and greet in Ushuaia
National Park tour with lunch in Ushuaia
Cruise accommodations on Le Boreal
All meals, open bar, house wines and champagne (excluding premium wine and premium champagne) throughout voyage
Full enrichment /lecture program (15-16 Expedition staff as per 2011/12)
All shore excursions and fees
All staff and crew gratuities on Le Boreal
Expedition parka and backpack
24 hour in cabin room service with complimentary mini-bar (restocked on request)
Post cruise baggage and passenger transfer for charter flight
Staff assistance for baggage re-check and onward flight coordination in Santiago
Dinner meal voucher at airport